Search Continues for Missing Children After Landslide in Mount Maunganui

The search efforts intensify for two children missing following a landslide at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park in New Zealand. The incident occurred on the morning of September 28, 2023, after a tropical storm caused the ground to give way, affecting several families at the campground. Currently, six people remain unaccounted for, with an additional three campers on a list of those who had not checked out.

Local iwi representatives gained access to the search area around The Mall this evening. At approximately 18:00, three members from iwi tribes in the Mount Maunganui region entered the cordoned-off zone where rescue operations are ongoing at the base of the Mount Maunganui volcano.

Tracy Ngatoko, a representative of the Tauranga Moana iwi, expressed her emotional distress while describing the atmosphere at the campground. Families are visibly upset, gathered near heavy-duty search equipment as workers meticulously sift through the rubble in hopes of locating the missing individuals.

The community has rallied together, demonstrating solidarity during this tragic event. Support services are on-site to assist families coping with the uncertainty and emotional strain. Members of the iwi are particularly focused on providing cultural support and comfort to those affected.

Search and rescue teams, comprising local volunteers and emergency services, have been working tirelessly since the landslide occurred. The challenging conditions created by the recent storm have hampered operations, but efforts continue around the clock.

As the search progresses, authorities remain hopeful of finding the missing children. The local community is urged to stay informed and support each other during this difficult time.

The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as search operations continue. The emotional toll on families and the wider community at Mount Maunganui is profound, marking a tragic chapter in the area’s history.